Home
Study in the USA
Would you like to study in the USA? IELTS can help to get you there!
IELTS is accepted by over 3,000 institutions in the USA. These include:
- Boarding schools
- Associate, undergraduate, and graduate degrees
- Professional and law programmes
Required scores and useful information
"I heard that IELTS is the most accurate evaluation when it comes to assessing English proficiency."
Jisu Jang, Hospital, IELTS score 6
Study in the UK
With a strong reputation for research and education, UK universities and colleges attract some of the world’s leading academics and industry professionals. The UK is a welcoming place for students of all nationalities and faiths and will offer you opportunities to experience its unique culture, cities and countryside.
Required scores and useful information
"IELTS is recognised by institutions all over the world and it is stated in their application requirements."
Murni Salina Saharudin, Universiti Selangor, IELTS score 6.5
Work in the UK
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) uses the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to gauge a visa applicant’s language proficiency level in the Points-based System (PBS). The PBS allows migrants to apply to work or study in the UK via one of five tiers. If applying under Tier 1 or 2, migrants are required to provide proof of their English language ability. IELTS is an approved English language test which can provide this proof.
| Visa description | CEFR level required | Skills | IELTS test and score required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa |
B1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS – 4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
| Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa |
B1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS – 4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
| Tier 2 General visa |
B1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS – 4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
| Tier 2 Sportsperson visa |
A1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS – 4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
| Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa |
B2 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS – 5.5 overall, and for each of the four skills |
Work Visas: The Points-based System
UK Immigration’s Points-based System (PBS) is the tool used to manage applications by individuals who wish to work, train or study in the UK. Within the PBS, there are different employment routes available to foreign nationals:
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
The Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa is for highly-skilled migrants who want to set up or take over, and be actively involved in, the running of a business in the UK. You can score 10 points on your English language proficiency by obtaining at least CEFR level B1 (IELTS overall band score 4) in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)
The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa is intended for recent graduates that want to set up a business in the UK. You can score 10 points on your English language proficiency by obtaining at least CEFR level B1 (IELTS overall band score 4) in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Tier 2 (General)
The Tier 2 General Visa is the best option for most students hoping to work in the UK after their studies. Tier 2 of the PBS in the UK is for skilled migrants with a job offer. You can score 10 points on your English language proficiency by obtaining at least CEFR level B1 (IELTS overall band score 4) in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
You can apply for a Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) Visa if you have been offered a job within a faith community (e.g. as a minister of religion, missionary, or member of a religious order) in the UK. You can score 10 points on your English language proficiency by obtaining at least CEFR level B2 (IELTS overall band score 5.5) in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
The Tier 2 (Sportsperson) Visa is for elite sportspeople and coaches whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK. Applicants must be internationally established at the highest level of their particular sport. You can score 10 points on your English language proficiency by obtaining at least CEFR level A1 (IELTS overall band score 4) in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
For more details, please visit the UK Government's website.
Migrate to the UK
IELTS is on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) list of approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT). The general test consists of 4 components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. If you wish to migrate to the UK and need to prove your English language level for a UKVI application, you will need to take your test at a specific test location authorised by UKVI. IELTS Life Skills is a single test covering speaking and listening skills. This test is for those who need to prove their speaking and listening skills at Levels A1, A2 or B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
IELTS Life Skills A1
This test is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for a Family Visa, Spouse Visa or Partner Visa. The A1 level within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is equivalent to ESOL Entry 1 on the National Qualification Framework (NQF).
IELTS Life Skills B1
This test is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for a Citizenship/Settlement Visa. The B1 level within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is equivalent to ESOL Entry 3 on the National Qualification Framework (NQF).
Visit the UK Government website to find out more about visa requirements for migration to the UK.
Study in Australia
Would you like to study in Australia? IELTS can help to get you there! Accepted by more than 900 institutions in Australia, your IELTS test score can help you to achieve your goal of getting a place at a college or university in Australia.
Required scores and useful information
"IELTS is required for most scholarships."
Alia Abdul Rahim, German-Malaysian Institute, IELTS score 6.5
Work in Australia
If you wish to work in Australia, the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection will require that you demonstrate your English abilities as part of your visa application.
Most Skilled Visas for immigration into Australia require that applicants achieve a minimum score on the Points Test, which award points for a number of different areas including English language ability. Different visas require varying degrees of English language proficiency, categorised as Superior English, Proficient English, and Competent English. The table below illustrates how IELTS results correspond to the Point Test.
| Points for English Language Ability | |
| English Language Ability | Points |
| Superior English - person has a score of 8 or more in IELTS in each of the four test components. | 20 |
| Proficient English - person has a score of 7 or more in IELTS in each of the four test components. | 10 |
| Competent English - person has a score of 6 or more in IELTS in each of the four test components. | 0 |
With IELTS, you can be confident that you are taking a test that is trusted by institutions and organisations throughout Australia. IELTS results are accepted by all professional associations in Australia that have set minimum language requirements for professional registration.
You have a choice of two tests, IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. Your choice of tests will depend on the requirements set by the organisation. The tests evaluate your English proficiency on a scale of 0 to 9 in each of four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Find out the language requirements for your work visa application to Australia.
Migrate to Australia
If you wish to migrate to Australia, the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection will require that you demonstrate your English abilities as part of your visa application. IELTS is the most popular English language proficiency test for migrants to Australia. It evaluates your English proficiency on a scale of 0 to 9 in each of four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Most Skilled Visas for immigration into Australia require that applicants achieve a minimum score on the Points Test, which award points for a number of different areas including English language ability. Different visas require varying degrees of English language proficiency, categorised as Superior English, Proficient English, and Competent English. The table below illustrates how IELTS results correspond to the Point Test.
| Points for English Language Ability | |
|---|---|
| English Language Ability | Points |
| Superior English - person has a score of 8 or more in IELTS in each of the four test components. | 20 |
| Proficient English - person has a score of 7 or more in IELTS in each of the four test components. | 10 |
| Competent English - person has a score of 6 or more in IELTS in each of the four test components. | 0 |
Study in Canada
Would you like to study in Canada? IELTS can help to get you there!
IELTS is accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as evidence of English language proficiency. If you are applying to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level in Canada, it is likely that you will be required to present your IELTS result as part of your application.
Required scores and useful information
"IELTS is easier to access than many other language proficiency tests and is well-recognised by most universities."
- Tina Lok Sun Ko, Ying Wa Girls' School, IELTS score 8
Post-graduation work permit
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has introduced 3 new measures on post graduation work permit eligibility for students beginning programmes online. These changes are being implemented to provide more flexibility to international students who need or want to start their Canadian study programme online abroad.
The three changes are:
- Students may now study online from abroad until 30 April 2021, with no time deducted from the length of a future post-graduation work permit, provided 50% of their programme of study is eventually completed in Canada.
- Students enrolled in a programme that is between 8 and 12 months in length with a start date from May to September 2020, will be able to complete their entire programme online from abroad and still be eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
- Students who have already enrolled in a programme with a start date from May to September 2020 and study online up to April 30, 2021 and who graduate from more than one eligible program of study, maybe able to combine the length of their programs of study when they apply for a post-graduation work permit in the future, as long as 50% of their total studies are completed in Canada.
Work in Canada
If you are planning to work in Canada, you must take a language test to prove your English proficiency. The IELTS General Training test can satisfy the requirements of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) if you are applying for a work visa, professional registration or permanent residency in Canada.
The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) are the national standards used in Canada for describing, measuring and recognising the English language proficiency of prospective immigrants intending on living and working in Canada. You can find out from IRCC which CLB standards you will be required to meet for visa purposes.
Your IELTS test result demonstrates your English language proficiency level within the CLB standards. The table below matches IELTS band scores with the CLB standards:
| CLB Level | IELTS Listening | IELTS Reading | IELTS Writing | IELTS Speaking |
| 12 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| 11 | 9.0 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| 10 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| 3 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| 2 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| 1 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
Migrate to Canada
IELTS was the first test to be recognised by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Immigration Quebec as proof of English language proficiency for Express Entry (Skilled Immigrants), Quebec-selected skilled workers and Provincial Nominee program.
If you are planning to apply for permanent residence or Canadian citizenship, there are different processes you can apply through. The most common is Express Entry, which is an online system that manages applications from skilled workers for permanent residence through three economic immigration programmes:
- Federal Skilled Worker Programme
- Federal Skills Trade Program
- Canadian Experience Class
Canadian provinces and territories also recruit applicants from the same Express Entry pool that you apply to through the Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP) to meet their local labour market needs. More information on the eligibility for Express Entry programmes can be found on Canada.ca website.
Similarly, you can apply to the Quebec-selected skilled worker process if you hold a Quebec Selection Certificate from the Government of Quebec. If you choose this route, you will need to submit a complete residence application, including police certificates.
IELTS General Training is an internationally-available English language proficiency test accepted for immigration into Canada by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The test evaluates your English proficiency on a scale of 0 to 9 in each of four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. You will need to meet the level stipulated by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in all of these skills.
In order for your visa to be processed, you will need to include your IELTS results as part of your application.
Study in Taiwan
Do you want to study in famous cities such as Taipei and Kaohsiung? IELTS can help you!
IELTS scores are recognized by university admission applications and scholarship application qualifications.
Achieving excellent IELTS scores can help you enter higher education institutions in Taipei and other cities.
What is the educational purpose of the IELTS score (e.g. university admission application)?
- University entrance qualification: IELTS is the most commonly recognized English proficiency test among universities in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.
- English proficiency thresholds that must be met before graduation: Every university has a minimum IELTS score requirement for graduates (Take National Taiwan University as an example, graduates need to have an IELTS score of 6 or more, and graduates of National Taipei University of Technology need to have IELTS 4 and above)
- International Student Program: According to the regulations of the Ministry of Education, international students need to submit IELTS scores before applying to the school.
- Scholarships: International students can apply for scholarships from universities with IELTS scores.
- English teaching: Those who are interested in teaching English in famous cities such as Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung should take the IELTS test every two years to get the latest results.
2020/21 Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung and other famous cities ranked top 100 universities in the world required IELTS scores*
The following ranking is based on the QS World University Rankings.
| Name of institution | World rank | Minimum IELTS score required |
| National Taiwan University | 66 | 6.5 |
*Unless other additional notifications, the above minimum IELTS score standards apply to all departments of the university.
Why do more and more students who are interested in studying in famous cities such as Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung choose IELTS?
(1) Demonstrate communication skills in the oral test of real-person conversation
Unlike other oral test items that require you to speak to the machine, IELTS provides a relaxing environment and support, giving you the opportunity to communicate with the examiner face to face.
(2) Simultaneously cultivate the language skills needed for academic and daily life
IELTS emphasizes the ability to communicate in real situations, so candidates do not need to memorize a lot of vocabulary and grammar. IELTS covers how to communicate in various learning environments, allowing you to realize your full potential in academic and daily life.
Study in other countries
There are a number of factors to consider when planning to study abroad. These could include the culture, language, tuition fees, accommodation costs, and prospective employment opportunities once you graduate.
The reputation of your chosen university is also an important consideration. Many well-renowned institutions use English as the medium of instruction. If you decide to study at one of these institutions, IELTS can help to get you there! It is the world’s most popular English language test for higher education and global migration and is recognised by over 9,000 organisations worldwide.
"Taking IELTS with British Council was convenient."
Shelemaine Respicio, UST HOSPITAL, IELTS score 7.5